Apple's iPod classic may also gain camera, report claims

While the iPod touch and iPod nano are widely expected to receive a camera upgrade in September, a report suggests that a new version of the aging hard-drive-based iPod classic could also snap pictures.

Citing industry sources, Taiwanese rumor site DigiTimes has reported that OmniVision will become the sole supplier of 3.2 megapixel CMOS image sensors for the upcoming line of iPod upgrades. The report singles out the iPod touch, iPod nano and iPod classic as camera-toting devices that will debut next month.

Omnivision is also one supplier of the 3.2 megapixel cameras for the iPhone 3GS. The report states that the CIS maker, with the addition of the iPod lineup, is expected to ship 18 million devices to Apple per quarter.

Whether the rumor proves true or not, any potential upgrades to the iPod classic this fall would likely be the last for Apple's sole remaining hard-drive-based media player. Flash memory has become less expensive and more reliable in recent years, and is now the standard on the remainder of Apple's iPod lineup.